Wine Tasting - Islands of the Mediterranean

The most renowned and prestigious wine-growing regions in Europe are to be found on the mainland or continental provinces, such as Bordeaux in France, Piedmont in Italy, and Rioja in Spain. However, there are many fine wines produced off-shore on islands of these and other countries that offer the oenophile untold delights at moderate price points with just a little extra searching around in wine shops. This class focuses on such wines that often blend indigenous island grape varietals with some of the usual suspects (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc.) to produce unique taste and aroma sensations unlike those found in most mainstream juices. The tasting list includes wines from Greek islands such as Santorini as well as from Corsica and Sardinia. This virtual tour of the Mediterranean leads us to sample fruit of the vine not only off the beaten track, but even beyond the shoreline.

Our wine tasting this past Tuesday, October 14, included the following wines:

1. Lyrarakis Assyrtiko 2013

Varietal: Assyrtiko

Classification: Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) Crete

Production/Tasting Notes: Sourced from high altitude villages of Eastern Crete; fermented in stainless steel; slow fermentation for 20 days; fruity with notes of apple, wild herbs of the region, lemon flowers; rich, light body, with mineral undertones

Food pairings: Grilled fish or seafood; salads; white meat

13 % Alcohol

2. Notios White (Gaia Wines) 2012

                   

Varietals: Moschofilero 50%; Roditis 50%

Classification: IGP Peloponnisos (Nemea)

Production/Tasting Notes: Moschofilero (pink-skinned) from the Arcadian Plateau; Roditis (also pink-skinned) from the Korinthian slopes; crisp acidity; fruity (pear, apple); citrusy backbone; notes of melon; hint of minerality; elegant finish

Food pairings: seafood, salads; sushi; shellfish; appetizers; white meat

12 % Alcohol

3. Costamolino, Vermentino di Sardegna, Argiolas 2013

                           

Varietals: Vermentino 95%; other Sardinian varietals 5%

Classification/Region: Vermentino di Sardegna Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)

Production/Tasting Notes: Stainless steel vinification; underwent malolactic fermentation; delicate aromas of citrus and tree fruit with undertones of tropical fruit and honey; zesty acidity on the palate

Food pairings: pasta primavera; shrimp cocktail; vegetable terrine
13.5 % Alcohol

4. Costera Cannonau di Sardegna Argiolas 2011

                     

Varietal: Cannonau 90%; Carignano 5%; Bovale Sardo 5%

Classification: Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

Production/Tasting Notes: Maturation in both French barriques (8 months) and cement vats (5 months); Ruby-red in color, aromas of ripe black cherries and tree fruit with undertones of pepper and licorice; notes of dried berries, rosemary; thyme; on the palate, a full body and velvety tannin; clean finish (92 points, James Suckling)

               

                  Food pairing: roasted beef, lamb cooked with rosemary, filet mignon, and rustic cheeses.

14 % Alcohol

5. “E Prove” Corse Calvi, Domaine Maestracci 2010

Varietals: Niellucciu 35%; Grenache 35%; Sciacarellu 15%; Syrah 15%

Classification: Appellation Corse Calvi Contrôlée

Production/Tasting Notes: Aged one year in stainless steel, followed by one year in French oak barrels; aromas of red fruit, violets, spice, licorice & toast; full-bodied with silky smooth tannins on the palate; flavors of blackberry, blueberry and cherry in brandy; slight menthol aromas;

Food pairings: hearty Mediterranean stews; ratatouille; strong cheeses

13.5% Alcohol

6. Nasiakos Agiorgitiko 2012

Varietals: Agiorgitiko

Region: Arcadia, Peloponnisos

Production/Tasting Notes:: Soft, rounded and fruity on the palate; aromas of blackberries, and forest fruits;

Food pairings: Roasted or grilled lamb, meats; full-flavored cheeses

12.5 % Alcohol

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An unscientific survey of the class participants showed a preference for the Assyrtiko and the Vermentino for the whites, and the Cannonau and Corsican blend for the reds. Your results may vary - Cheers!

Factoids about Greek and Mediterranean Wines

• Agiorgitiko, also known as St. George, is Greece's most famous red variety.
• Grown on the hills of Nemea for over 2,500 years, reds from this area are sometimes known as the “blood of Hercules” giving him the strength to slay the Lion of Nemea.
• Roditis stems from the Greek word “rodon” meaning rose.
• Legend has it that Caesar wooed Cleopatra with the white wines of Patras

Other Greek Grape Varietals

Whites

SAVATIANO – Greece's most widely planted white varietal and the base for the popular Retsina wine which is infused with pine resin; the best Retsinas are produced from Savatiano grown in Attica

VILANA – Native to the island of Crete, produces modestly priced refreshing white wines with green-apple flavors.

Reds

LIMNIO – Grown on the Aegean island of Limnos and throughout northern Greece; produces full-bodied wines with high alcohol content; often blended with merlot and cabernet sauvignon

MAVRODAPHNE – Meaning “black laurel”, this grape flourishes in Patros and is blended with Korinthiaki to produce dessert wines

XINOMAVRO (“acid black”) - Dominate northern Greek red varietal; produces full-bodied reds with intense fruit flavors and can be aged for many years.